‘Arrow’ Season 3: First Look at Roy Harper as Arsenal

Until the playing field gets really crowded this year (with shows like Gothamand Constantine) it’s easy to call CW’s Arrowthe king of DC Comics TV show adaptations – and maybe the (current) king of superhero TV in general.

The story of Oliver Queen’s evolution into DC Comics’ Green Arrow may have been a little rocky in the beginning; but since the midpoint of season 1 and through season 2 the show has grown immensely and hit the bullseye in terms of story and tonal balance between gritty realism and pulpy comic book fantasy.

After an introduction like that it should come as no surprise that Arrowseason 3 is being viewed with high expectations by fans – and today, we are getting a first look at something fans have been waiting to see since season 1.

EWhas released the first photo of actor Colton Haynes’ look for season 3 – and it is quite the wardrobe change. After being discovered in the slums of Starling City by Thea, young hoodlum Roy Harper (Haynes) turned toward the good side of things, training under Oliver Queen/Arrow in season 2 to overcome the Mirakuru drug, which gave him superhuman abilities but made him violently unstable as well. By the time the final battle against Slade Wilson came, Roy was ready to fight as Arrow’s sidekick. In season 3, he’ll have the costume to prove it:

Roy Harper as Arsenal (CLICK FOR FULL SIZE)

The costume looks like it fits in line with the overall Arrow aesthetic, which has generally been the same mix of gritty realism and faithful comic book pulp as the show’s tone. Though, the entire Arrow lineup of villains and superheroes (male or female) have gotten a better shake in terms of wardrobe than other superhero shows have pulled off (looking at you, Deathlok in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.). Arsenal continues that trend.

‘Arrow’

Arrowwill be previewing this and more season 3 goodies at Comic-Con 2014 – especially during a DC TV panel hosted by the show’s star Stephen Amell. Be sure to stay tuned for more details in the days to come.